Youngster fighting rare cancer

Four-year-old Jaxson Robertson of Helena-West Helena is in a fight for his life at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Currently, Jaxson has been in a medically induced coma.In December 2012 Jaxson was diagnosed with stage 4 Hepatoblastoma, a very rare cancer. Hepatoblastoma occurs in about two out of every 1 million children ...

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By Randy Hogan

The Helena Arkansas Daily World - Helena, AR

By Randy Hogan

Posted Sep. 3, 2013 at 4:19 PM

By Randy Hogan

Posted Sep. 3, 2013 at 4:19 PM

Four-year-old Jaxson Robertson of Helena-West Helena is in a fight for his life at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Currently, Jaxson has been in a medically induced coma. In December 2012 Jaxson was diagnosed with stage 4 Hepatoblastoma, a very rare cancer. Hepatoblastoma occurs in about two out of every 1 million children each year. Only 50 to 70 cases are reported during the course of a year in the United States. This cancer makes up about one percent of all pediatric cancers. Jaxson's cousin, Misty Middleton, who resides in Iowa, reports that during the past six months, Jaxson has undergone several chemotherapy treatments at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. “Despite responding well to the chemotherapy, the family recently received word that a resection (the removal of part of his liver) would not be possible,” stated Middleton. “They were told Jaxson needed a complete liver transplant at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Due to the advanced stage of the cancer, Jaxson was moved to the top of the waiting list. He recently received his new liver at St. Louis Children's Hospital. According to Middleton, the next few days following the transplant, Jaxson has been very ill. “He's contracted ecoli,” she said. “They think he got it through his broviac tube. He's had to be resuscitated a couple of times.” Middleton's latest report dated Aug. 25 (Sunday) was that the doctor planned to check Jaxson's lungs with an ultrasound. Middleton said the doctors didn't want to drain the lungs unless they interfered with him coming off the ventilator. “The doctor says he will recover from this,” reported Middleton. “ It's just a bump compared to where he was days ago. A scheduled MRI will probably be postponed.” Middleton stated that Jaxson is doing a lot better right now but the family could use some help. The hospital is six hours from home. “As our family is suffering the worst of times of our lives,” said Sonya Robertson, Jaxson's mom, “We could really use lots of prayers. Jaxson is a very tough lil' boy, in fact, he's the strongest person I know. He's been through more than I ever could've imagined. Thanks for all your prayers and support.” Besides his mom and cousin, Jaxson's family consists of his dad, Jason and his sister, Hannah. In the meantime, Middleton says, “Please keep praying, sharing and donating.”